Rev Up Your Community’s Storytelling This Fall with Virginia Main Street

Every downtown has a story to tell. Whether it’s the businesses that have shaped the community for generations, the volunteers driving revitalization efforts, or the new investments transforming vacant buildings into thriving destinations, these stories help define a place and inspire others to become part of its future.

This fall, Virginia Main Street invites community leaders, Main Street organizations, business owners, and other downtown advocates to join us for the 2026 Regional Rev Up Workshop series, an engaging half-day training focused on helping communities discover, tell, and amplify the stories that make their downtowns unique.

Fall 2026 Rev Up Workshop Schedule
September 14 – Rocky Mount
September 15 – Portsmouth
September 16 – Colonial Beach
September 18 – St. Paul

Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Each workshop will feature the same content and interactive exercises, so simply register for the location that is most convenient for you.

Register Here

Led by Letterpress Communications, this interactive workshop will explore how authentic storytelling can strengthen community identity, build support for downtown revitalization efforts, and effectively communicate impact to residents, partners, funders, and visitors alike.

Participants will gain practical tools and strategies that can be immediately applied within their own organizations and communities. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your organization’s communications, better showcase project successes, or engage new audiences, this workshop is designed to help you tell your community’s story with greater confidence and purpose.

Attendees will explore topics including:

Identifying what makes your downtown and community unique
Understanding and connecting with key audiences
Crafting compelling messages that resonate
Using data and success stories to demonstrate impact
Leveraging a variety of communication channels to expand your reach
Building a more consistent and effective storytelling strategy

By the end of the workshop, participants will leave with actionable ideas to elevate their organization’s visibility, celebrate community accomplishments, and communicate the value of Main Street revitalization in ways that inspire continued investment and engagement.